How to Become an Exercise Physiologist
Prescribe exercise as medicine: build fitness programs that rebuild cardiovascular health, strength, and mobility. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $59,460 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$59,460/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
1,700
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Exercise Prescription
- Fitness Assessment
- Cardiac Rehab Basics
- Motivation
- Monitoring
Helpful certifications
- ACSM-EP (Certified Exercise Physiologist)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an Exercise Physiologist make?
The median pay for an Exercise Physiologist is $59,460 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Exercise Physiologist?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Kinesiology / Exercise Science, Exercise Science, and Health Sciences.
Is Exercise Physiologist a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 1,700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Exercise Physiologist use most?
Common skills for this role are Exercise Prescription, Fitness Assessment, Cardiac Rehab Basics, Motivation, and Monitoring.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.